"I lived in a mud house with a thatched roof with my wife, Pratima (44), and daughter Baishakhi (15). During the rainy season, water would seep into our home. In contrast, during summer, the air inside the house would become hot and suffocating due to lack of ventilation.” – Nannu Lohar (49).

Residing in Sarenga village in Paschim Bardhaman, West Bengal, Nannu works in a chemical factory, earning about INR 9000 per month. A roof over their head was a distant dream for Nannu and his family until they partnered with Habitat for Humanity India.

The lack of basic amenities was a constant source of hardship. Pratima recounts, “With no toilet at our home, we were forced to go out to relieve ourselves. And at night, Baishakhi would struggle to study with just a candle”.

Habitat for Humanity India partnered with 25 families in Sarenga village belonging to the Santhal tribe and enabled them to build homes. Each home has an area of 375 square feet and consists of one room, a veranda, a kitchen, with an attached bathroom and toilet. The homes are also equipped with solar panels, which support two lights and a fan.

“With the facility of an attached toilet in the house, there is a feeling of security,” says Pratima. “Now that we have solar, my daughter Baishakhi can study even when there is a power cut,” she adds. For Nannu, the days of hardship are finally over. He says, “Now I can go to work each day knowing that my family is safe.”

As they are settled into their new home, Nannu and his family feel a sense of pride and gratitude.

“Our lives have been completely transformed. We no longer worry about water seeping in during the monsoon or the stifling heat of summer. Our home is now a safe and comfortable place where my family can thrive.” – Nannu.